Orthodontic Associates of Erie was founded in 1982. Dr. C Ted Forsberg and Dr. D Grant Daubenspeck combined talents and established offices in Erie and Fairview, Pennsylvania. These offices have delivered treatment to patients from Northwest PA, northeastern Ohio and western New York for the last 34 Years. Dr. Daubenspeck retired in 1996. Dr. Forsberg has carried on providing state-of-the-art treatment options for all dental malocclusions.

Dr. Forsberg grew up in Jamestown, New York where he received an associate's in science degree from Jamestown Community College. Dr. Forsberg added a bachelors degree in science with honors at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Dr. Forsberg received his doctorate degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine to finalize his education; Dr. Forsberg completed his residency in Orthodontics with certification at the University of Connecticut.

When evaluation is done early enough, treatments that require growth modification can be undertaken at the correct time to take advantage of growth. Orthopedic treatments are often done before all the baby teeth have fallen out. Traditional braces are usually done when all baby teeth have fallen out between ages 9-15.

Adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment. Excellent results can be achieved in adult patients. Correcting malocclusions in adults can enhance the health of teeth and gums. Orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve self-esteem, personal appearance, and confidence to communicate.

Bands are rings of metal that are fitted around the molars and premolars. These bands are selected from a range of sizes to find the tightest fitting band. To prevent decalcification as the treatment proceeds, these bands are sealed into position using dental cement containing fluoride.

Brackets hold the arch wire against each tooth. The arch wires fit into slats in the bracket to push each tooth into the new position desired. Brackets can be attached directly to each tooth or to a band.

Arch wires, or main wires, are shaped specifically to fit snugly around the arch into the bracket slats. The pressure pushes teeth into the desired position as the arch wire guides the direction of the movement.